Goat Cheese Crostini with Rainier Cherries

These colorful Goat Cheese Crostini with Rainier Cherries are a simple, elegant bite that’s perfect for any summer gathering. Juicy cherries, creamy goat cheese, zesty lemon, fresh mint, and a drizzle of honey – pure summertime magic!

Goat cheese crostini with Rainier cherries on a large white oval serving plate with fresh mint garnish.

Why This Recipe is a Summer Stunner


  • Sweet and Savory Harmony: The delicate sweetness of Rainier cherries pairs beautifully with the tangy creaminess of goat cheese.
  • Quick and Easy: Perfect for those moments when you need a stunning appetizer but are short on time.
  • Seasonal Delight: Celebrate summer with fresh, juicy Rainier cherries at their peak.
  • Perfect for Entertaining: These crostini are an effortless yet chic option for your next dinner party or special occasion.

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Crostini with goat cheese and Rainier cherries on a white oval platter.

Quick Party Appetizer

Meet your new go-to summer appetizer! These Rainier Cherry and Goat Cheese Crostini are all about fresh, vibrant flavors. Sweet, juicy cherries paired with creamy goat cheese create the perfect bite.

A drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of fresh mint take these crostini to the next level. Whether you’re hosting a casual BBQ or a fancy dinner party, these are a quick and easy way to impress your guests.

Looking for more summer appetizer ideas? Be sure to try our peach tomato burrata bruschetta, prosciutto-wrapped apricots, easy seafood charcuterie board, fresh mango corn salsa, and our creamy whipped ricotta dip with garlic and fresh herbs.

Seasonal Produce Spotlight: Rainier Cherries

The Pacific Northwest is famous for its Rainier cherries, golden-hued and exceptionally sweet, available from late June to early August. These cherries offer a unique, melt-in-your-mouth experience and are packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. Learn more about their benefits on Healthline.

Cherry harvest is a big event here, with many orchards offering U-Pick experiences. This supports local farmers and provides the freshest cherries. Check out this Washington Cherry Picking Guide.

Rainier cherries are versatile in the kitchen, perfect for both sweet and savory dishes like goat cheese crostini. Their sweetness and vibrant flavor make them a delightful addition to many culinary creations!

Rainier cherries in a bowl with lemon, goat cheese, bread, and mint on a wooden cutting board.

Key Ingredients

Baguette: Use a crusty baguette for the perfect base for your goat cheese crostini. Sourdough or a French loaf also work well. If you’re gluten-free, try using your favorite GF bread.

Goat Cheese: Softened goat cheese gives a lovely tangy flavor. For a milder taste, try using whipped ricotta or cream cheese. Vegan? Use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Rainier Cherries: These uniquely colored, sweet cherries are ideal, but any fresh cherries will do. Can’t find cherries? Fresh berries like raspberries or sliced strawberries are delicious swaps.

Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tangy goat cheese. Maple syrup or agave can be used as alternatives.

Lemon Zest: Brightens up the dish with its fresh citrus notes. Orange zest can be used in a pinch.

Two goat cheese crostini with Rainier cherries on a white plate.

Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the honey-goat cheese mixture. It’s optional but recommended for an extra layer of flavor.

Flaky Sea Salt: Adds a bit of crunch and enhances all the flavors. Regular sea salt works too, but flaky salt gives a better texture.

Fresh Mint Leaves: Chiffonade (thinly slice) the mint leaves for a beautiful and fragrant garnish. Fresh basil or thyme can be used for a different flavor profile.

*Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a rating in the comments below and let us know how it turned out. Your feedback is important to us. Thank you for visiting Maplevine Kitchen!

Goat cheese crostini with Rainier cherry halves on a white oval platter.

Recipe Tips

  • Room Temperature Goat Cheese: Let your goat cheese come to room temperature before mixing. This makes it easier to blend and spread smoothly on the crostini.
  • Fresh Zest: Use fresh lemon zest for the brightest flavor. Zest the lemon directly over the goat cheese mixture to capture its aromatic oils.
  • Balance Flavors: Don’t skip the flaky sea salt. It enhances the sweetness of the cherries and honey while balancing the tanginess of the goat cheese.
  • Serve Immediately: These crostini are best enjoyed fresh to maintain their crispy texture. Assemble just before serving for the best results.
  • Customization: Feel free to experiment with toppings. Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pistachios or walnuts for extra crunch, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a touch of acidity.
  • Presentation: For a beautiful presentation, arrange the crostini on a serving platter in a single layer. Garnish with a few extra whole cherries and mint sprigs for an elegant touch.
A goat cheese and cherry crostini on a white plate.

FAQs

To achieve golden and crispy baguette slices, brush both sides with olive oil before toasting. This ensures an even toast, providing a sturdy base for your toppings.

Using a cherry pitter is the quickest and most efficient method for pitting cherries. If you don’t have a pitter, a straw or chopstick can also do the trick with minimal mess.

Yes! You can prepare the goat cheese mixture and pit the cherries ahead of time. Store them in the fridge, and assemble the crostini just before serving to ensure they stay fresh and crispy.

More Summer Party Appetizers

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Goat Cheese Crostini with Rainier Cherries

These colorful Goat Cheese Crostini with Rainier Cherries are a simple, elegant bite that's perfect for any summer gathering. Juicy cherries, creamy goat cheese, zesty lemon, fresh mint, and a drizzle of honey – pure magic!
By: AllieAllie Cleveland
No ratings yet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Assembly Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 282 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 cherry pitter (optional)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 baguette, sliced diagonally into ½-inch thick rounds
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 oz goat cheese, softened at room temperature
  • 1 cup Rainier cherries, pitted and halved (regular fresh cherries will also work just fine!)
  • 2 tablespoons honey, plus more for optional drizzle
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, optional
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest, plus more for garnish
  • flaky sea salt, for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chiffonaded (sliced thin)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Crostini: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Let cool slightly.
  • Prepare the Goat Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, honey, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  • Assemble the Crostini: Spread about a tablespoon of the goat cheese mixture onto each toasted baguette slice. Top with a few Rainier cherry halves.
  • Finish with Garnish: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, additional lemon zest, and chiffonaded fresh mint leaves on top for garnish. Drizzle with a small amount of honey if desired.
  • Serve: Arrange the crostini on a serving platter and serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

Top Tips for Perfect Crostini

  • Use Quality Ingredients: Choose a crusty baguette, fresh Rainier cherries, and high-quality goat cheese for the best flavor.
  • Room Temperature Goat Cheese: Soften goat cheese at room temperature for easy mixing and spreading.
  • Even Toasting: Brush both sides of baguette slices with olive oil and toast until golden and crispy.
  • Serve Immediately: Assemble the crostini just before serving to maintain their crispy texture.
  • Fresh Zest and Herb Garnish: Use fresh lemon zest and chiffonade mint leaves for a bright, fragrant garnish.

Leftovers and Storage Instructions

  • Goat Cheese Mixture: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Rainier Cherries: Keep pitted and halved cherries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Toasted Baguette Slices: Let cool completely and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To re-crisp, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes.
  • Reassembling Leftovers: Spread goat cheese mixture on re-crisped baguette slices, top with cherries, and garnish as per the recipe.

Nutrition

Calories: 282kcal | Carbohydrates: 42.9g | Protein: 11.3g | Fat: 7.6g | Saturated Fat: 3.4g | Cholesterol: 8.7mg | Sodium: 504.6mg | Fiber: 2.3g | Sugar: 8.2g

*Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Maplevine Kitchen makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.

Keyword cherries, crostini, summer appetizers, summer recipes
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